What are the symptoms of Hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is a chronic medical condition that occurs when the thyroid gland is not able to produce the hormones in required proportion. In some of the cases, afflicted individuals may also have to undergo surgical treatment and a small portion of the thyroid gland is removed by the surgeon. The symptoms of Hypothyroidism usually vary from person to person, but most women are diagnosed with the medical condition.

Thyroid hormones play a pivotal role in regulating body functioning including digestion, metabolism and sex life. A presence of the hormones aid in physical growth, behavioral changes, and can impact you both mentally and physically.

Here are some of the most common symptoms of Hypothyroidism people need to be aware of:

Tiredness:

One of the most common symptoms that people suffering from Hypothyroidism experience is lethargy and tiredness.

Thyroid hormone controls the energy balance in the body and a low level of thyroid can make you feel extremely tired and lethargic.

The hormone sends a signal to the human brain so that it stays alerted and keeps the body fit and energetic. People with high levels of thyroid hormone often experience the signs of nervousness and jittery and those with low level feel exhausted and sluggish.

Unwanted weight gain:

People with Hypothyroidism have a slow function metabolism and as a result, the fat burning occurs at a slower pace, resulting in unwanted weight gain.

Instead of burning the calories, the body tends to store the calories in form of fat to body parts and the person becomes obese.

Researchers conclude the fact that people with Hypothyroidism gain weight at an average rate of 15-30 pounds every year.

Hence, people afflicted with Hypothyroidism are often recommended to get indulged in a healthy exercising regime and adopt good eating habits.

Unable to tolerate cold:

People suffering from Hypothyroidism often feel uncomfortable in cold environment, as their body cannot tolerate such a low temperature.

Since the basal metabolic rate of the body diminishes, it reduces the amount of generated in the body and thus the person cannot tolerate cold.

Additionally, the thyroid hormone is helpful in the production of brown fat in the body, and it aids in the generation of heat. However, due to a lower percentage of thyroid hormone production in Hypothyroidism, the person’s body is not able to generate the said amount of heat. Hence, low levels of thyroid hormone make you feel colder than other people around you.

Muscle and joint pains:

Hypothyroidism flips the body’s metabolic rate towards catabolism, and the body tends the break the tissues for energy production. During catabolism, the strength of your muscle increases and this leads of weakness and muscle aches.

People feel weak more often, however, if the feeling of weakness and muscle pain persists for a longer time span you need to get your thyroid level checked.

Almost 34% of the Hypothyroidism patient experience the signs of muscle cramps and weakness.

Hair Loss:

Like all other body cells, even the hair follicles are replenished by the thyroid hormones.

In Hypothyroidism, due to the low thyroid levels, the hair follicles have a short lifespan.

It was found that almost 25-30% people visiting a specialist to overcome the problem of severe hair loss were diagnosed with Hypothyroidism. Studies also conclude that low level of thyroid hormone also leads to coarsening of the hair.

Dry and itchy skin:

Like the hair follicles, even the skin cells have to face the impacts of low levels of thyroid hormone.

The sensitive skin cells do not get the growth signals from the hormones and it hampers the skin renewal rate.

This implies that the outer layer of the skin so called epidermis will take a longer time to shed, which results in unwanted skin dryness and itchiness.

Depression:

Hypothyroidism is often directly linked with depression. The downfall of thyroid hormone has a negative impact on the behavioral changes and the person may feel depressed and sad.

Women who are more prone to suffer from Hypothyroidism, often report the feelings of depression.

Furthermore, the postpartum hormone fluctuations are some of the leading factors of hypothyroidism in the female body and it thereby leads to postpartum depression.

Constipation:

Low thyroid levels can also put a halt on your colon and bowel movement, and thus people experience constipation.

Menstrual irregularities:

Women suffering from Hypothyroidism often experience symptoms of menstrual irregularities. It may include heavy period, irregular periods and even severe abdominal cramp.

Thyroid hormone greatly regulates the menstrual cycle, and abnormality in the production of the hormone can disrupt their signals.

Moreover, thyroid hormone also has a direct impact on the ovaries and uterus.

In the case of pregnancy, the medical specialist always keeps a stringent eye upon the TSH level of the women. It is said that during the first trimester of pregnancy the TSH level should lie somewhere between 0.5-2.5 mIU/L. If the thyroid level is not within the safe line, the doctor may even advise the pregnant women to take the thyroid medication on a regular basis.

Hypothyroidism is a very common disorder that can lead to the myriad of heath discomforts including weight gain, hair fall, mood swings, skin dryness and lots more. However, as the symptoms are not that unique you always need to get your thyroid level checked from reputable clinics. If you are diagnosed with Hypothyroidism, there is nothing to worry about. You just have to follow your doctor’s advice and intake the medications regularly. Fortunately, the medications used for the treatment of Hypothyroidism, are extremely inexpensive and at the same time effective. By proper regular of the thyroid hormone levels, you can easily lead a better life.

What are the symptoms of Hypothyroidism? was last modified: October 4th, 2017 by chander singh